Business Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Description:

General Summary:

The Senior Business Development Leader (SBDL) plays a critical role in driving business growth and client acquisition. This position is responsible for identifying, pursuing, and developing new business opportunities, building and maintaining strong relationships with potential clients and partners, and promoting the firm's position as a leading provider of architectural and engineering services. The SBDL will work closely with the marketing, design, and project teams to ensure alignment between client needs and the firm's capabilities.

Essential Job Functions:

Lead Generation and Prospecting

• Identify and research potential clients, markets, and industries that align with the firm's expertise, capabilities, and experience.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of qualified leads through networking, cold outreach, industry events, and referrals.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities.

Relationship Building

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, stakeholders, and industry partners.
• Serve as the first point of contact for prospective clients, effectively communicating the firm's value proposition and services.
• Identify and attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to represent the firm, build connections, and promote our capabilities.

Proposal Development and Client Engagement

• Collaborate with internal teams (design, engineering, marketing) to develop tailored proposals and presentations that address client needs.
• Assist in preparing responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and other business inquiries.
• Schedule and conduct client meetings, presentations, and follow-up conversations to advance opportunities.

Strategic Planning and Reporting

• Work with leadership to develop and implement business development strategies and goals.
• Track and report on key metrics, including lead generation, conversion rates, and revenue growth.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on client feedback and market analysis.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Partner with our internal marketing team to develop promotional materials, campaigns, and strategies that support business development efforts.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure seamless transitions from business development to project execution.
• Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams to ensure client satisfaction and project alignment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of proven experience in business development, sales, or client relationship management, preferably in the architectural, engineering, or construction industry.
• Strong understanding of architectural and engineering services, project lifecycles, and industry trends.
• Excellent verbal communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other business tools.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with design and construction processes, including permitting, planning, and project management.
• Experience with marketing strategies and tools, including digital marketing and social media.
• Existing network of industry contacts and relationships.

Key Attributes

• Results-driven and goal-oriented.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Professional and polished demeanor.
• Passion for architecture, engineering, and design.

Benefits:

At Ghafari, we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees receive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Teladoc, Employee Assistance Program, Professional License Reimbursement, Educational Assistance, Voluntary Pet Insurance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and 8 Paid Holidays. The annual pay rate for this position is $140,000+. Individual pay is based on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and training.

About Us

At Ghafari Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect.

Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact—both for our clients and within our communities.

We are committed to investing in our employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.

Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.

Pay Transparency

Ghafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Accommodation

Ghafari Associates is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability to use our online system to apply for a position, you may also apply for positions in the following ways:

• By fax at: 313.436.8624, Attn: Human Resources
• By mail at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126, Attn: Human Resources
• In person at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
• By email at: hr@ghafari.com

If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.